I’m planning brunch for a group of friends. I took an informal poll around the Test Kitchen and asked everyone which they preferred – pancakes or French toast? French toast was the resounding winner.
That got me thinking… why not do a French toast buffet at the brunch? I’ll serve sides of sausage, bacon and fruit, but French toast will take center stage. This is going to take a little planning to execute, but I know where to look for yummy recipes.
The flavors of honey and blueberries are what set Kelly Gonnelly’s Honey Blueberry Stuffed French Toast apart. “The mascarpone cheese adds great texture to the inside of each slice,” shares Kelly. Kelly uses a honey nut cereal to add an unpredicted coating to this French toast. With a honey nut crunch and the sweetness of the blueberries and cheese, what’s not to love?!
“This is an extra special breakfast/brunch recipe,” says Marybeth Mank of her Cinnamon Orange French Toast Casserole. This is one wonderful breakfast treat, for sure. There are multiple steps involved – and a good bit of effort – so be sure to plan ahead on this one. As Marybeth suggests, the dark chocolate orange butter and cinnamon-orange syrup can be made a few days ahead. If you put together the casserole the night before, you only have to bake it in the morning. The pay-off is well worth the work.
Colleen Wehr’s Pecan Delight Baked French Toast is another recipe you can prepare the night before. “This is a very RICH breakfast and very, very DELISH,” shares Colleen. “You really won’t need syrup to enjoy.” Mmmm….mmmm…. good! I used hazelnut creamer and substituted two slices of regular cinnamon bread when I couldn’t find the thick cut recommended. Naturally, that “forced” me to spread cream cheese on the additional slices too. No complaints!
What a pleasant surprise Francine Bryson’s French Toast Souffle was! Francine’s recipe is a wonderful combination of hearty breakfast casserole AND deliciously sweet French toast. Cinnamon raisin bread is a great choice for this dish. And, the coconut and pecans sprinkled on top are divine.
“We went to a B&B for Valentines weekend and in the morning we woke up [to] the sweet smell of Raspberries and Coffee in the air,” remembers Kellie S. “We walked down and saw all the breakfast goodies on the table and coming out of the kitchen was the Raspberry and Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast.” This breakfast treat is a snap to prepare and so decadently delicious. The raspberries and cream cheese combine to make a sweet, gooey center. Truly over the top – and worth every bite!
It’s amazing how basic ingredients can create such a wonderful meal. Next time you’re planning a brunch, add one of these French toast recipes to the menu. Your guests will thank you!